Fishing kayak maker in USA to create 250 new jobs

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Owner Eric Jackson says company expansion is down to the growth of its kayak fishing business.

Jackson Kayak has announced a $6.5m investment in expanding its operation in Tennessee – a move triggered by the growth of its kayak fishing business.

Expansion plans include the addition of a 300,000 square foot factory and the creation of 250 new jobs over the next five years.

“We believe that kayak fishing will continue to grow as more traditional fishermen learn its benefits,” said company founder Eric Jackson. “It is a worthy category for future investment. If we were not making fishing kayaks, we would not be buying this new building.

“Our ability to produce new kayak models has been stymied by our factory. However, there are now many things we can consider developing in new fishing categories that we were not able to do before. In the next few years you may begin to see some of that come to fruition.”

Based in Sparta, Jackson Kayak was established in 2003 by Jackson and Tony Lunt. The company also designs and builds whitewater and exploration paddlesport craft. All its products are made in the USA.

Other benefits of the investment will include a new, bigger oven and new coolers. “We’ll be more able to handle our expanding product line and be more efficient in the process,” added Jackson.

“We are already planning, working on the new factory and hiring people. It will start slowly and accelerate as the planning turns to implementation and that turns into growth.”